Toad Sage Jiraiya

Lin Mu carefully sensed the changes within his body.

Ten minutes later, a series of system notifications suddenly rang in Lin Mu's ears.

"Ding! Absorption of Senju Hashirama module fragment complete!"

"Ding! Congratulations to the host, Senju Hashirama module activation progress has reached 10%!"

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for learning Wood Style: Tree Barrier Jutsu!"

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for learning Wood Style: Cutting Technique!"

A massive influx of information flooded Lin Mu's mind. In an instant, he had mastered these two ninjutsu as if he had been studying them for years.

Lin Mu checked the ninjutsu information.

Wood Style: Tree Barrier Jutsu: A defensive ninjutsu. It can instantly cause a shield formed of multiple wooden vines to grow from the ground to protect the target.

Wood Style: Cutting Technique: Wooden spikes grow from the arm to pierce the enemy. After piercing the enemy's body, one can continue to form hand seals to make the spikes branch out further, impaling the enemy's body from the inside.

(Note: The number of wooden spikes depends on the user's chakra.)

After comprehending the two ninjutsu, a look of joy appeared in Lin Mu's eyes.

Although he had previously obtained the Wood Style Body, he did not know any Wood Style ninjutsu.

He could only use wood-attribute chakra to simply strengthen his own body or influence the surrounding trees.

But learning Wood Style: Tree Barrier Jutsu and Wood Style: Cutting Technique had elevated his offense and defense to a new level!

After carefully contemplating the two ninjutsu in his mind once more, Lin Mu calmed his heart and focused entirely on his journey.

In another area of the forest.

Kankuro and Temari were running rapidly through the forest, carrying Gaara, who had fallen unconscious due to the power of his Tailed Beast.

However, because they were carrying someone, it was difficult to reach their full speed.

Sasuke Uchiha, who was chasing from behind, gradually closed the distance, then seized the opportunity and leaped out.

He landed on a large tree in front of the trio, blocking their path.

"I won't let you escape again!"

Kankuro's expression turned ugly in an instant.

"Damn it! To catch up while Gaara is unconscious, and it just had to be this guy, Sasuke Uchiha!"

If Gaara were awake, Sasuke would naturally be nothing to fear.

But Gaara was currently in a coma. Kankuro and Temari had also exhausted a large amount of chakra, and they were likely no match for Sasuke Uchiha at this moment.

Seeing this, Temari did not hesitate. She leaped into the air and threw three kunai with all her might.

"You take Gaara and go first; I'll hold him off. The plan of Sunagakure must not be ruined!"

Sasuke's gaze was cold; he tilted his head slightly to dodge the attack of the three kunai.

Just as Sasuke was dodging the kunai, Temari took to the air, pulled her giant fan from her back, and swung it with all her might.

Suddenly, a gale roared to life. Sasuke could not dodge in time and was blown back into a tree.

Before Sasuke Uchiha could steady himself, Temari pressed her advantage, swinging her fan a few more times.

"Ninja Art: Kamaitachi!"

Several massive wind blades were unleashed. Sasuke dodged desperately, and several large branches behind him were instantly severed, leaving smooth cuts.

When the ninjutsu subsided, Sasuke flipped onto a branch and quickly formed hand seals.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

Streams of fire erupted from Sasuke's mouth, rushing straight toward Temari.

Temari dodged left and right, but the flames were too dense. One slip-up and she was knocked to the ground, surrounded by fire.

Standing on the branch, Sasuke saw his chance, formed hand seals again, and unleashed a new ninjutsu.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

A massive fireball surged directly toward Temari.

"Is she dead?"

Sasuke Uchiha stared intently at the flames below.

Suddenly, the flames were torn apart by a wind blade, and a blade of wind slashed rapidly toward Sasuke.

Sasuke was startled, but his body reacted quickly, leaping to a higher branch to dodge the wind blade's attack.

"Puff, puff, puff!"

Several kunai, hidden behind the wind blade, attacked Sasuke.

Sasuke Uchiha could not dodge in time; he was struck by the kunai and fell straight to the ground.

Temari wore a triumphant smile as she walked forward, intending to inspect Sasuke's corpse.

But just as her palm reached the body, it vanished with a poof, replaced by a block of wood.

The Explosive Tag on the wood had already begun to burn!

"Body Replacement Technique!"

Temari was struck with terror, but it was too late to dodge.

"BOOM!"

A massive roar erupted, and the intense shockwave of the explosion sent Temari flying over a dozen meters away.

She collapsed to the ground, completely incapacitated and unable to continue the fight.

Sasuke looked down from above at the immobile Temari, letting out a cold sneer.

He then ignored her and gave chase in the direction Kankuro had fled with Gaara.

At this moment in Konoha, most of the enemies had been driven out.

However, fierce battles were still raging in several locations.

For instance, that three-headed giant snake!

This three-headed giant snake was not only immense but also impervious to blades and spears.

Not only were various ninja tools unable to inflict damage, but even ninjutsu of all attributes were nothing more than a tickle to it.

Ibiki, the ninja captain tasked with holding back the giant snake, looked grim.

The giant snake... it was becoming impossible to hold back!

Many ninjas had already been severely wounded or killed trying to defend against this three-headed beast!

The village had also been left in ruins by the creature.

Yet, their attacks could only serve to slow the giant snake's advance.

If this continued, there was no telling how much more damage Konoha would suffer!

His eyes flashed with a sharp light.

Even if we can't win, we must fight. Even if I die, I must stop it!

Just as Ibiki prepared to lay down his life, a deep, resonant voice echoed out.

"Ninja Art Summoning: Food Cart Destroyer Technique!"

A massive toad descended from the sky, crushing the giant snake beneath it.

The giant snake let out a miserable shriek, coughing up a mouthful of blood under the weight!

"Lord Jiraiya!"

Upon seeing the figure standing atop the toad, Ibiki was overjoyed.

The figure had spiky white hair, a tall frame, and a forehead protector inscribed with the character for "Oil."

It was none other than one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, student of the Third Hokage, the Toad Sage Jiraiya!

"Long time no see, Ibiki. Honestly, is the only thing you've grown your size?"

Jiraiya stood atop the giant toad, looking down at Ibiki with a teasing grin.

Ibiki gave a sheepish smile and leaped up to land beside Jiraiya.

Jiraiya now looked toward the giant snake, his expression turning completely serious, devoid of his previous playful demeanor.

Has Orochimaru finally begun his move?

Jiraiya's mind was filled with doubts. Seeing Ibiki land beside him, he asked:

"Where is the Hokage?"

"Lord Hokage is currently at the exam venue."

Ibiki pointed toward the rear.

Jiraiya cast his gaze into the distance and saw the massive Four Violet Flames Formation, now completely filled with giant trees!